The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya offers good safaris all year. Most especially during the annual wildebeest migration from July to October.
The park is named after the Mara River which divides the park and the local Maasai people. They have a fascinating culture that centers around their cattle. In 1984 the size of the Reserve was reduced to accommodate the Maasai’s cattle grazing on their ancestral lands. Many private conservancies exist around the Masai Mara. To protect the critical part of the route used by wildebeests and zebras during the Great Migration.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 1 510km² and 275km from Nairobi. Flights are available daily from Nairobi Wilson Airport and there are several airstrips in the Greater Masai Mara National Park.
The Mara is one of the best game reserves for predators. It is mainly open savannas so this makes the wildlife easier to see. Spotting at least 4 of the Big 5 is almost guaranteed. However; the Black Rhino is a little more elusive (there is no White Rhino here).
Cheetah with Zebra at Angama Mara
Best time to visit the Masai Mara
The best time to visit is between July and October for the Annual Great Migration. With September and October probably being the ultimate. Visitors witness about 2 million herbivores (particularly Wildebeests, Zebra, and Gazelles) passing through this area. They are escaping from the dryer conditions in the Serengeti in Tanzania. It is an amazing sight to see. With lines of wildlife stretching as far as the eye can see across the Masai Mara plains. Although the migration pattern is well-known; the timing is dependent on the rains.
Following close behind the wildebeest and other herbivores are the predators therefore game-viewing of all types is at its best. Predators include the black-maned lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and vultures.
Lion catching wildebeest in Masai Mara at Mara Plains
As they cross the Mara River to reach the greener pastures of the Masai Mara, many fall prey to crocodiles. And occasionally hippos. It is amazing to watch the wildebeest & zebras congregating at the river bank. Waiting for the bravest to make the first move to cross the river. While the ones that have already crossed; are calling from the other side, urging them on.
Other wildlife found in the Masai Mara National Reserve are elephants, giraffe, antelope, jackal, baboons, ostriches; to name a few. Birdlife is abundant. Including over 53 different types of birds of prey, kestrels, hornbills, shrikes, sunbirds, and herons.
Grey Crowned Crane
Due to the huge attraction of witnessing the migration; it does mean the Reserve is very busy at this time. Whereas November until May is less crowded and still offers excellent safaris.
Masai Mara safari
Game drives offered in the main Reserve are excellent but sometimes crowded. Off-road driving is not allowed. The neighboring conservancies are able to offer activities that are not allowed in the reserve. Such as off-road driving, night game drives, bush walks, and horse riding safaris. The biggest draw card to staying in the conservancies is that they have very few vehicles. Therefore, sightings are more exclusive / uncrowded.
Incredible wildlife safari at Cottars
Hot Air Balloon safaris allow you to see the landscape and wildlife interactions from above. A sensational activity to include in your Masai Mara tour.
The award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camps are situated in the private conservancy, bordering Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania – rates and offers
